Super Eagles’ preparations in disarray as strike grounds flights

The Super Eagles’ of Nigeria’s preparations for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers have been severely disrupted after a nationwide strike grounded all domestic flights in Nigeria.

Key players including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Maduka Okoye are among those stranded and unable to reach Uyo in time for the matches against South Africa on June 7th and Benin Republic on June 10th.

A host of Super Eagles stars, including Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Paul Onuachu, are stuck at various airports across the country. The grounding of flights has left the team’s travel plans in chaos, hampering their preparations for the critical World Cup qualifying double-header.

The industrial action, led by major aviation unions, follows a directive from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike. All domestic flights were halted from early Monday morning, severely impacting the Super Eagles’ ability to gather in Uyo.

This disruption is a major setback for the Super Eagles and their new coach, Finidi George. With time running out before the qualifiers, the team must be together to train and build cohesion. The nationwide shutdown has complicated these plans, making it challenging for Finidi to prepare the team effectively.

Nigeria currently sits third in their World Cup qualifying group, behind Rwanda and South Africa. With only two points from their first two matches, it is crucial for the Super Eagles to secure victories in their upcoming games. The team’s backroom staff are working tirelessly to find alternative travel arrangements to get the stranded players to Uyo as soon as possible.

Only 13 players, including Victor Boniface, Stanley Nwabali, and Samuel Chukwueze, attended the first training session. The absence of key players due to the travel disruption complicates Finidi’s task of uniting the team and developing strategies  .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     The Super Eagles’ qualification hopes hinge on overcoming this logistical challenge and ensuring the team is fully prepared for the high-stakes matches.